Darryl Ryan
My name is Darryl Ryan, my Gitxsan name is Maaxwsxw T’im ges, which means “White Head”. I belong to the Lax Gibuu clan and I am a member of the Wilp xGwoimtx with Sadie Harris as our Simoogyet. I was born in Prince Rupert, where I lived for 16 ½ years, and I was raised by my Gitxsan parents, Lloyd and Thelma (Wale) Ryan. During that time, we went on many trips with my relatives for picnics, potato planting/picking, berry/crab apple picking, fishing, hunting, hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, and camping activities. Furthermore, we observed pole raising, dancing/singing, and feast ceremonies, and we also watched many soccer, baseball, and softball tournaments. Moreover, I have lived in various places pursuing job and educational opportunities in BC and Ontario.
Over the years I have worked in sawmills, hotel/hospitality, employment office, security, warehouse/ labourer, Kispiox Community Radio DJ, environmental helper/creel surveyor, river guardian, and copper mine labourer/mineral processing operator. As far as my education and job training, I have obtained a Sound Engineering Certificate from Columbia Academy, Introductory Computer Animation Certificate from VFS, Mineral Processing Operator Certificate from Houston NWCC, Environmental Monitoring Certificate from Vancouver Island University, Dewatering Certificate from Red Chris and a General Arts Degree from UNBC.
When I applied for the Mid Skeena Watershed Facilitator position, I wanted to help the Gitxsan Nation through my past educational and work experience. At the same time, I would reconnect with my Gitxsan heritage by learning more about the Ayook, Adaawk, Li’ligit, and Gitxsanimaax by interacting with Gitxsan Simgiigyet and Huwilp members. Recently, the Canadian Government’s new UNDRIP mandate to support Gitxsan ownership and jurisdiction rights over their resource sites on their Lax yips, I look forward to a vast improvement of engagement protocol procedures and greatly enhanced revenue/taxation sharing agreements with the Gitxsan that will boost the living standards for all Gitxsan.